CARLSBAD >> Although a crushing walk-off loss to Albuquerque-South Valley had his team on the brink of elimination just two days prior, Deming coach Jesus Nieto viewed it as a blessing in disguise.

Nieto said his players needed that defeat to drive forward, and he told them to keep the motor running while they still could.

After winning back-to-back elimination games, they clawed their way back to play in Monday's 11-year-old State tournament championship game against the team that initially endangered their title hopes — South Valley.

They kept the motor running on the base paths, capitalizing on multiple scoring chances to win the title, 7-1, at Bob Forrest Youth Sports Complex.

"We just started working harder, believing that we could win state," Deming catcher Iverson Ruiz said. "We practiced hard. We did everything to get here."

Right from the top of the order, Deming bolted across the bases immediately after making contact at the plate.

They also took off whenever South Valley's defense made off-target throws.

Ruiz said it was important for Deming to score runs any way possible.

That's when the number of runs amassed.

Multiple players crossed home plate and helped the cause.

Although some base-runners were tagged out, Nieto said he wanted his players to maintain the approach he preached to begin with: keep moving.

"We were just trying to get on base, move forward and get some more progress," Nieto said.

In the end, Deming third baseman Justin Morales said that strategy helped his team win the title.

"That's all the matters," Morales said.

Morales also said Saturday's loss motivated the team.

"It encouraged us to play harder," Morales said.

Neito said it's been at least 12 years since Deming held a state championship banner for the 11-year-old age division.

"It's wonderful. I feel great about the situation," Nieto said. "When we first came in here, I told them we had to finish strong. We came in with the approach to be very aggressive at the plate, at the ball.

"I'm very proud of what they did to represent to their town and represent their parents."

Current-Argus Sports Editor Matt Hollinshead may be reached at 575-628-5518.